Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has consulted with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the extension of the time for the spreading of slurry following the extension given to farmers in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36082/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I consulted with my colleague, the Minister for Environment Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, and there is on-going regular contact between officials of both Departments on a number of issues related to the Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009). The prohibited period for the spreading of slurry commences on 15 October in all parts of the country as required by the Nitrates Regulations. These regulations are a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The planned review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme in 2010 will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to put forward their views on the question of the most appropriate dates for the prohibited periods for spreading fertilisers that are a mandatory requirement under the EU Nitrates Directive. Any adjustment to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme will require the agreement of the EU Commission.